NEW STRING ensemble Klemantyne wants to bring a different classical take on music to Ballarat.
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Founder and violinist Nicci Dellar said a year's hiatus living in New Zealand gave her time to reflect on her music and she felt a chamber group of this size, just for strings, was missing from her hometown.
While there are string quartets and trios about the region, Ms Dellar felt a larger ensemble would allow fellow string musicians a chance to flex their repertoire further outside popular pieces expected for weddings and events. But this would also allow the chance to fine-tune and build on their music and skills for many in Ballarat Symphony Orchestra.
Klemantyne - a name made with the first letters of core members' names - will play its first concert of its own billing at Cathedral Church of Christ the King on Sunday afternoon. This performance will be baroque inspired, featuring professional oboist Andrew Angus who has played with Australian Brandenburg Orchestra and Melbourne Bach Ensemble.
Ms Dellar said the core group was made up of music teachers, most who already work with each other in other groups, but essentially all who get along well musically and personally - each keen to be part of something different for Ballarat.
The group also allowed a chance for their students to step up and play in a larger emsemble.
It is important for us, particularly as teachers, to keep playing. It's good for the soul to play with others and professionals.
- Nicci Dellar, Klemantyne
"It is important for us, particularly as teachers, to keep playing. It's good for the soul to play with others and professionals," Ms Dellar said.
"Being part of a stable group, we get to know intimately how each other plays, we're communicating through music.
"...A lot of work has gone into this. Although we're teachers and professional or semi-professional musicians, we still need to practise. The nice thing about this is we're encouraging our students to come as see their teachers under pressure of performance too."
Klemantyne made its performance debut in a performance with choral ensemble VOX in mid-September.
The core group consists of two first violins, two second violins, two violas, two cellos and a double bass.
Ms Dellar said this allowed the group a sense of freedom to explore different pieces.
This concert will feature the works of Purcell, Albinoni, Corelli and Respighi played with baroque bows. Ms Dellar said the focus was on easy listening and many concert-goers should recognise some melodies.
Klemantyne will perform at the cathedral on Sunday, from 2pm. More details on Klemantyne Ensemble's Facebook page.
KLEMANTYNE
Nicci Dellar (violin)
Yvonne Holley (violin)
Kate Carman (violin)
Elise Wright (violin)
Louise Hildyard (viola)
Kate Both (viola)
Miriam Kriss (cello)
Nigel Smith (cello)
Tim Nelson (double bass)
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